Jimi Hendrix (Born Johnny Hendrix)
November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970
Member of the 27 Club
Jimi Hendrix was unquestionably the greatest guitarist rock music has ever known. With one foot firmly planted in the blues and the other in jazz, Hendrix took the best of both, added some fire and created a guitar sound like had never been heard. It makes no sense to list those he’s directly influenced here, because it would likely lead to the end of the internet. Unless you count the broomstick Hendrix strummed on as a child, the first guitar he ever played was at the age of 15. He went on to teach himself how to play by watching others on TV or by listening to records. After a stint in the army, Hendrix began playing guitar professionally, mostly along the so-called chitlin’ circuit. In 1964, Hendrix was hired by Little Richard to record and play on the road in his band. Within a couple of years, he formed his own band, Jimmy James & the Blue Flames, with whom he began building a reputation around the southeast. That band included rhythm guitarist, Randy California who would later form the band Spirit. Hendrix soon formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, and Billy Cox. That group would record three of the most acclaimed albums in history, Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland. After disbanding the Experience, Hendrix formed Band of Gypsys with Cox and Buddy Miles. They recorded a popular live album of the same name, released just three months before Hendrix’s death which is still shrouded in mystery to this day. What is known is that Jimi Hendrix was just 27 years old when he died on September 18, 1970. The official cause of death was determined to be choking on his own vomit. The coroner found an excessive amount of wine and sleeping pills in his body. There are some who believed he committed suicide while others thought it to be an accidental overdose. And still others believe something more sinister had taken place.
What You Should Own
wow…you mean-no one else has commented?
Hendrix was a HUGE source of my past…I saw him play at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom-the same hotel Ronald Reagen (raygun) met John Hinkley in DC. That had to be 1967?? hmmm,too many times to try to recall.
In those days-in the 60’s,in DC-there was an old playhouse converted to a hippie music spot-the Ambassador,where a buck and a quarter would-and did-get you in to hear Strawberry Alarm Clock and Procol Harem and many other greats…
Those were awesome times!
oh…almost forgot-I saw Hendrix and Buddy Miles at the Baltimore Coliseum along w/ Cat Mother and The All Night Newsboys…awesome show (1969) we all came out with each of us playing ‘air guitar’ and hopped up as if we’d just left a Bruce Lee karate film…yup,awesome times!
Thanks for the tribute!
Awesome post ~ Jayherron – yeah, I’m also surprised to see no more comments – this page is great: awesome video collection to tease the interested parties. Jimi’s time on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” is so often overlooked and played a substantial formation into the life and music of Jimi, so its great to see that mentioned. If you are interested in reading more about Jimi, the Chitlin’ Circuit or other members of The 27 Club please check out our own website and illustrated book devoted to The 27s. Thanks for letting me post!
You’re welcome. Hopefully you’ll do the same courtesy by linking to my blog as well
Vince